When the outside turns chilly, we usually want to retreat, bundle up, and stay away. But, there’s still so much fun to be had in the winter months. Though it might be a bit dreary outside at times, winter is actually a chance to embrace some really beautiful and comforting rituals and spaces.
We’re all about making the most of your time, so here are a few fun ways to spice it up this winter.
Discover a new coffee shop:
There are hundreds of local coffee shops all throughout the city just waiting to be found! From the cozy indie places to the trendy espresso bars, Chicago’s coffee shop game is at its peak. Whether you’re looking to work from a cafe or just on the hunt for a delicious morning pick-me-up, there are endless options to explore.
There’s Ralph Lauren’s Coffee Bar offering an extra fancy morning joe experience.
Go spooky at Avondales premiere scary coffee shop, The Brewed.
Grab a dose of sunshine atDrink Happy Thoughts– where one of their blends is served in an adorable honey bear jar!
If you’re looking for something extra trendy, Froth Coffee Bar takes a cocktail approach to coffee. We recommend the Dalgona Iced Latte.
Find your go-to wine bar
From South Side’s first wine bar to an expansive River North mammoth, there are many wine bars to choose from in Chicago. If you’re looking for a nice, relaxing glass of wine with a view, we’ve got you covered.
Park Manor 75, one of the South Side’s first wine bars, diversifies the white-dominated wine industry with a wine list that emphasizes Black vintners.
Check out Cloud Bar, a daring 94 floors up. Offering neighborhood-inspired cocktails with a stunning view of the skyline, the gorgeous 18-seat bar is sure to impress.
Chicago Winery was a long time coming. The two-floor space serves wine that has been crushed, fermented and bottled right here in Chicago. Helmed by First Batch Hospitality, Chicago Winery also includes a premiere restaurant, an in-house winery, a tasting room, and an event venue.
Embrace the figure skater vibe
Ice skating is one of the most exhilarating winter activities out there– and there is a bevy of great skating rink options right here in the city. From Maggie Daley Park’s iconic ice skating ribbon to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Rent a pair of skates and hit the ice for a chilly adventure spent whirling around the rink.
Try all the hot soups out there
From comforting classics like Matzo ball to innovative ramen creations, what better way to warm up in the winter than a bowl of steaming soup?
Go vegan at Rakkan Ramen, one of Chicago’s first plant-based ramen shops. They use dashi, a traditional Japanese soup stock that is full of Umami, to bring out the flavor in the soup.
If you crave the comforting aroma of freshly made matzo ball soup, head on over to a Jewish Deli– from the famous Manny’s to the vegan Sam and Gerties, there’s so much soup to consume and only so much time! Filled with heavy matzo balls and plenty of veggies, it’ll keep you fortified for winter.
Make it a museum day
There are a ton of new exhibits coming to Chicago museums this year. From Dalí’s The Image Disappears at the Art Institute of Chicago, to the Museum of Science and Industry’s new Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and the much-loved Pompeii: The Exhibition, a museum is undoubtedly an engaging way to spend a day indoors. The Museum of Science and Industry is even free on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, offering up free museum days galore.
The Field Museum, filled to the brim with exciting natural history artifacts, is also giving away free museum days to Illinois residents so get exploring and let us know which exhibit you like the best!
Winter doesn’t have to be a drag– Instead, turn the cold air into a place to embrace adventure, try out new spaces, and a chance to really explore this amazing city.